.ICMLS Advocacy for Initiating the 2nd Cadre Review of Medical Laboratory Professionals

The Indian Confederation of Medical Laboratory Science (ICMLS) has been a leading professional voice advocating for the 2nd Cadre Review of Medical Laboratory Professionals in India. Recognizing the critical role that laboratory professionals play in the healthcare delivery system, ICMLS emphasizes that the existing service structure and cadre system no longer reflect the current advancements, responsibilities, or qualifications of these professionals.

The first cadre structure for Medical Laboratory Professionals was developed several decades ago, during a period when laboratory practice was largely manual and limited in scope. Since then, there has been enormous growth in medical science, automation, molecular diagnostics, and public health needs—necessitating an urgent restructuring of designations, pay scales, and promotional avenues in line with evolving professional standards and international benchmarks.

 

Key Focus Areas of ICMLS Advocacy

1.     Rationale for the 2nd Cadre Review: ICMLS asserts that the current cadre hierarchy and pay structure do not adequately represent the academic qualifications, technical responsibilities, and managerial roles of today’s laboratory professionals. The Confederation highlights the mismatch between educational levels (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., and specialized diplomas) and their corresponding posts, leading to stagnation, demotivation, and underutilization of skilled manpower.

2.     Modernization of Designations and Roles: ICMLS advocates for a revised nomenclature and role classification that aligns with global norms.  Such restructuring would accurately reflect professional responsibilities, enhance career progression, and improve workforce motivation and accountability.

3.     Inclusion of Higher Academic and Research Pathways: With many professionals now holding postgraduate and doctoral degrees, ICMLS recommends introducing academic–research and clinical–technical career tracks, allowing advancement in both domains. This dual-track system would strengthen laboratory education, innovation, and leadership within healthcare institutions.

4.     Promotion Policy and Career Progression: The Confederation emphasizes the need for time-bound and merit-based promotions, ensuring fair recognition of seniority, qualifications, and service contribution. ICMLS proposes a three-tier or four-tier promotion policy that offers clear progression from entry-level positions to senior leadership roles, similar to other recognized healthcare cadres such as nursing, pharmacy, and radiology.

5.     Integration with Quality and Accreditation Frameworks: ICMLS advocates that the revised cadre structure should incorporate positions dedicated to quality assurance, laboratory management, and accreditation compliance (ISO 15189). This will institutionalize quality culture and accountability within laboratories, aligning human resource policy with national quality standards.

6.     Parity with Other Allied and Healthcare Professions: The Confederation highlights the disparity in pay scales and promotion opportunities between Medical Laboratory Professionals and other allied health cadres despite similar educational backgrounds and responsibilities. ICMLS urges the government to ensure parity and equity across all allied healthcare professions through the cadre review process.

7.     Collaboration with NCAHP and Central Health Ministry: ICMLS has proposed that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), in coordination with the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), initiate a High-Level Committee to conduct the 2nd Cadre Review. This should involve representation from ICMLS, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and subject experts to ensure inclusivity and transparency.

8.     Focus on Capacity Building and Workforce Planning: The new cadre structure should reflect workforce requirements across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare levels, ensuring adequate staffing norms, specialized roles in emerging areas like molecular diagnostics and clinical research, and leadership opportunities in quality systems.

The ICMLS advocacy for initiating the 2nd Cadre Review of Medical Laboratory Professionals is aimed at ensuring justice, recognition, and modernization of the laboratory workforce in India. It seeks to align the service structure with scientific advancements, educational qualifications, and global best practices, while improving morale, retention, and professional dignity.

ICMLS envisions that the revised cadre system will not only enhance the efficiency and accountability of laboratory services but also position Medical Laboratory Professionals as integral and respected members of the healthcare team. Through continued engagement with policymakers, ministries, and commissions, ICMLS remains steadfast in its mission to achieve a fair, progressive, and future-ready cadre system for the laboratory profession in India.